How much does a solar system cost?

Total cost depends on the system size, equipment and installation type.

Are incentives or rebates available for solar?
The California Center for Sustainable Energy has a cash rebate, and the federal government has a 30% Investment Tax Credit, which help to offset a large portion of the initial investment.

Is now a good time to buy a solar system?
There has never been a better time to make the transition to solar power! Solar technology continues to improve and many federal, State and regional incentives are currently in place that significantly reduces the cost of solar and encourage growth in the industry. However these won't last forever. By investing in solar now you will help to insulate your home or business from rapidly increasing energy costs.

Is solar electricity cost-effective?
Yes. Imagine the cost benefit of paying a lower electric bill, or no electric bill at all. Solar is a low-risk, high return investment that will supply your home or business with free electricity for years after the system is paid for. We will analyze your specific electric usage and calculate exactly what your return on investment will be and how much you will save over the life of the system.

Will solar panels damage my roof?
It's certainly an important question and an issue we do not take lightly here at Cosmic Solar. Despite being an amazing investment and a stellar step towards eliminating energy bills while becoming energy independent, could the installation of solar panels potentially cause harm to my roof?
The short answer is a reassuring "no." In fact, a solar array, when properly installed by the professionals at Cosmic Solar, could potentially reduce harm to your roof.
Though surprising, consider these facts about a Cosmic Solar installation:
Bahram Shadzi, our president and licensed general contractor, will personally perform an inspection of your roof to ensure the structural integrity is sound and your roof will safely house the panels.
Solar panels block sunrays that are harmful to your roof. Therefore our solar array helps to preserve the roof beneath the panels by blocking the sun's damaging ultraviolet light. Your roof, as well as your attic space, will be significantly cooler.
Our roof mounting supports are properly secured in the wooden rafters on your roof, then flashed where necessary and fully sealed with a special polyurethane 50-year roofing adhesive, eliminating the possibility of any leaking.
All materials used are stainless steel and aluminum to prevent corrosion.
Every Cosmic Solar installation is guaranteed for a full 10 years. Therefore, any issue whatsoever with your roof or with the solar system will be addressed in a timely manner at no charge to you.
In the event your roof needs replacing in the future, disassembling and reassembling our systems is possible. Additionally, the system can be moved to a new house if desired.

How long does it take to realize a 100% investment return?
If you finance your system, you may realize net savings as early as the first year. Instead of paying your monthly utility bill, you will be making loan payments for your solar PV system. You will effectively be paying less for your loan than you currently pay the electric company. A typical payback is around 6 years. Your exact payback period will depend on your electrical usage, electric rate schedule, and cost of your system. Also, as utility rates continue to increase, your return on investment will also increase.

What financing options are available for solar power?
There are several ways to finance a solar power system. These include:
1. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
2. Secured loans
3. Home Equity line of credit
4. Unsecured Loans
Many families are paying for their solar systems from their retirement funds. Any taxes that are charged when that fund is cashed in is considered as income tax, so the federal solar tax credit can be applied.

What size system do I need?
Our engineer will design a solar system based on your electrical usage. A look at your previous year's electric bills will give us the information we need to size your system correctly. Your system can be sized to zero out your electric bill completely, or designed to eliminate the higher tiers of your electric usage, which are much more expensive.

How long does it take to install the system?
The average system takes about one month from start to completion. This included system design, registration for rebates, obtaining proper permits, and the actual installation.

What kind of permits do I need to meet local building codes?

Solar systems must be permitted and inspected by local authorities having jurisdiction. Cosmic Solar, Inc. is committed to ensuring each system meets or exceeds building codes. Our team obtains all the necessary building and electrical permits for the systems we build.

How does Solar help the environment?
The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy. It shines every day whether you harness it's power or not. Other sources of energy need to be extracted from the earth at great expense and damage to our environment from toxins. Energy generated from solar is clean, renewable, and sustainable.

Is solar financially feasible for me?
Installing a solar system is investing in an electric generating plant on your roof, or ground rack. It is like having your own small business with a monthly return. Once you install a solar system you no longer have an electric bill, and that money can be used to purchase your system, and eventually be cash in your pocket. Give your roof a day job!

How do I know when I can use electricity with solar?
Your Photo Voltaic solar system is connected to your electric utility's grid. They charge about $5 a month for this service. You can use your electricity any time you need it. If your system is generating extra electricity it will be stored on the grid, and your electric meter will spin backwards. At night when you use electricity it will be provided for you from the grid.
Solar customers have a separate billing called Net Metering. Solar customers get a monthly statement in the mail, but only make a payment once a year. At the end of the year, it will be balanced out, depending on your solar production. If the production is higher than the usage, your electric utility company will actually pay you for the excess electricity you have produced.

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